Secret report could help senators: author

The author of a secret report into links between organised crime and the construction industry has admitted it could help crossbench senators decide whether to back the reintroduction of the Australian Building and Construction Commission.

In 2013, Victoria's Construction Code Compliance chief Nigel Hadgkiss - now head of the nation's building industry watchdog - gave the state government the cabinet in confidence report.

When asked by independent senator Jacqui Lambie during a Senate hearing whether he thought reading the report could help the crossbench in its deliberations, Mr Hadgkiss said on Tuesday: "I'd have to answer in the affirmative."